US pork and beef exports show positive March trends
In March 2025, exports of US beef, pork, and lamb increased compared to last year, according to data from the USDA and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Demand in international markets remains strong despite global challenges.
March pork exports were also strong, rising 3% year-over-year to 269,344 metric tons. The value increased 4% to $769.7 million. Mexico and Central America led the growth, with exports to Colombia being the second-largest on record. Korea also showed improvement. Exports to Japan slowed. First-quarter pork exports reached $2.11 billion in value, slightly lower in volume at 754,488 metric tons.
China renewed pork plant registrations in March, but high tariffs remain a barrier to new trade.
Beef exports in March totalled 109,330 metric tons, a 1% rise from last year. The export value climbed 4% to $922 million—the highest since June. Growth came from Taiwan, Mexico, Central America, Chile, and Africa. Exports to China rose slightly, though further growth is limited by tariffs and plant registration issues. Exports remained steady to Japan and declined slightly to South Korea. In the first quarter, beef exports reached 310,368 metric tons and were worth $2.53 billion.
“Despite a great deal of uncertainty, global demand for U.S. beef remains robust and resilient,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The March export results confirm this, with demand trending higher in Taiwan and Mexico, reaching record levels in Central America and holding up well in Japan and Korea. Although we anticipate that China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations will have a more drastic impact on April and May exports, the U.S. industry’s efforts to diversify markets and broaden U.S. beef’s global footprint are definitely paying dividends.”
US meat exports continue to perform well in global markets despite trade challenges
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic